Chapter Three: Sold to the prince

Sofia sat on the podium looking tired and rough. They Had been brought out to a place which looked like a market square. It was a slave trade auction block. She looked around as slave traders went around placing numbers on them so as for the auction to begin. Was this her fate? Is this what she ran away from home to fall into? She thought as she looked around in the crowd as if searching for a familiar face but all she saw was cold, calculating eyes and cruel smiles, the faces of strangers who saw her only as a commodity to be bought and sold.

When it got to her turn she closed her eyes in a mixture of fear, shame, and desperation, unable to bear the thought of being gazed upon like a mere object, and the uncertainty of what her future held. She was bidded for the highest price there due to her rare beauty and fair skin coupled with her long hair. She looked at the highest bidder and it was an old man with several missing teeth and a scary face. Was he going to be the one to purchase her? She thought in fear as the bid was about to be closed, "500 gold coins!" the auctioneer had just announced, indicating the old man's highest bid. But just as the auctioneer was about to say "sold", a voice rang out from the back of the crowd. "5000 gold coins!" The newcomer sounded making everyone gasp in shock of the big amount he bidded and they all turned back to look at the bidder

“Going once, going twice…..sold!” the auctioneer exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement. Sofia's eyes snapped open, and she searched the crowd to see who had made the new bid and bought her immediately for such a high sum. Her gaze landed on a tall, dark-haired man with piercing eyes, who stood confidently at the back of the crowd, his eyes fixed intently on her.

Just as Prince Stefan had strode out of the palace with his horse. He rode for long to the outskirts of the town till he came across a busy gathering. He stopped afar leaving his horse and strolled forward to see what the gathering was about. It was a slave auction block he

had figured out and was about returning back to his horse when he caught sight of a captivating figure. Never had he seen such innocent eyes in his entire life before. They sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight despite the exhaustion which was evident in her face.

Her skin was pale and her blonde hair despite it being rough fell over her back and shoulders like a waterfall.

It was her eyes that captivated him the most. As he gazed at her, his eyes bore into her soul as he felt as if he had stumbled on a long lost creature. He was drawn to her with such an intensity that he knew he had to have her, No matter the cost. Without further hesitation he called out his bid shocking the crowd with the high sum and was immediately announced sold to him. He watched as she stared at him as the was being released from the chains. She stood still and calmly as she gazed at him. He walked up to her as he heard several whispers from the crowd “He must be so wealthy” “Probably a big merchant” “A highly successful one” they gossiped

Now as he gazed into her eyes face to face,he felt a sense of triumph and possession knowing that she was his and his alone.

“Follow me” Prince Stefan said to her coldly and turned back walking away

Sophia who was lost in the thought of her predicament of her life being bought and sold before her very own eyes followed this stranger.

As Sofia followed her new master, Prince Stefan, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions - fear, uncertainty, and desperation. She had no idea what her future held or what kind of treatment she would receive from this guy.

She glanced at him occasionally, trying to read his expression, but his face remained cold and unreadable. They walked through the crowded market square, with people staring and whispering to each other as they passed by.

Sofia felt like a prized possession, a trophy to be showcased. She wondered if she would ever be able to escape this life, or if she would be trapped forever as a slave.

As they reached the outskirts of the market square, Prince Stefan led Sofia to a beautiful white horse. He mounted the horse, then reached down and lifted Sofia up to sit behind him.

Without a word, he spurred the horse on, and they galloped away from the market square, leaving the crowds and chaos behind. Sofia held onto his waist, and for some reason she felt safe as they rode away in silence.

They rode for some time and finally came to a halt at a stone throw away from a palace. He ordered her to come down and she did.

“Here” he said to her as he took off his cloak and gave to her

“Put that on” He added and turned to his horse rubbing its head

With that he began walking towards the palace alongside the horse and she followed not knowing what else to do. She wondered why they both had to come down from the horse before their destination and now cover the distance with their legs.

They got to the palace and she followed him silently. She wondered what position he held in the palace but from the look of things he commanded respect.

They got to a room and he walked away leaving her there before she could even ask him anything. She looked around the room admiring its neatness and beauty. It looked like a room that hadn’t been used in a while, probably a guest room. The bed was dressed nicely with plain sheets complimenting the wooden bed frame. Towels were also arranged neatly on the table beside the bed making her remember home.She wondered how her parents were doing and coping with her absence as she walked towards the bathroom

Her thoughts were interrupted as she heard someone enter the room. She went out and saw a middle aged woman wearing a knee length dress and a crisp white apron.

“Hi I’m Lucy, the housekeeper”the lady introduced

“Hi” Sofia greeted

“Prince Stefan sent me here to get you cleaned up” The lady added and two maids walked in

“Prince?” Sofia thought not showing her surprise. So the guy who purchased her was a prince. The prince of this kingdom and his name was Stefan. Prince Stefan.

“Oh okay” she responded amidst stammers as she wondered why he brought her here or even bought her. One thing she knew was she had to keep her true identity as a runaway princess a secret from everyone because at the end of the day whatever she was doing here would be an escape from her reality. It could finally be the freedom she ever wanted and longed for.

The maids got her ready in a matter of time by preparing her bath and clothing.

Prince Stefan walked back into the room where he had left Sofia, the weight of the intentions he had in mind playing somewhat happily in his head.

The figure of Sofia which he met when he entered the room was one which he had never seen before. She looked stunning in the velvet gown which she had worn alongside the embroidered corset which elevated her look. She was well accessorized with high quality pearl necklaces and bracelets making her look like an angel. Her blonde hair was styled in a high bun, with loose strands framing her face and adorned with pearls as well.

For a moment Stefan stood lost in the elegance of her blue eyes but quickly regained himself as he cleared his throat.

“Come with me” He said coldly but calmly and turned away

Sofia followed him quietly as he led her through the hallway till they got to a gigantic door which was about 20-foot tall with a polished wooden frame. It had intricately carved gold accents with massive iron hinges and lion-head door handles depicting the fact that it was obviously a throne room.

As the gigantic door creaked open, Sofia's eyes widened in awe. She saw a majestic throne room with a high ceiling, adorned with chandeliers and intricate tapestries. This was way bigger than her kingdom’s throne room. This was not just a mere kingdom, it was a whole empire she thought as she looked around. At the far end, on a raised dais, sat the king and queen on their thrones.

Prince Stefan led Sofia forward, and as they approached the throne, the king and queen looked up, their eyes fixed on Sofia. The king, a stout man with a bushy beard, smiled warmly, while the queen, a slender woman with a kind face, looked at Sofia with curiosity.

"Mother, Father," Prince Stefan said, bowing slightly, and they exchanged greetings

"I'd like to introduce you to the woman I've chosen to be my wife." Stefan said to the surprise of everyone